Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

We Are Marshall Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Home Return to Study Hints Random
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: The Film 'We Are Marshall': Production, Historical Context, and Reception

Cheat Sheet:
The Film 'We Are Marshall': Production, Historical Context, and Reception Study Guide

Film Overview and Production

The film "We Are Marshall" is a historical documentary focusing exclusively on the 1970 plane crash.

Answer: False

Explanation: The film "We Are Marshall" is classified as an American biographical sports drama, not exclusively a historical documentary. Its central theme extends beyond the plane crash to encompass the rebuilding of the football program and community healing.

Return to Game

McG directed "We Are Marshall" and also served as one of its producers.

Answer: True

Explanation: McG is explicitly identified as both the director and one of the producers of the film "We Are Marshall."

Return to Game

The screenplay for "We Are Marshall" was written by Cory Helms, while Jamie Linden developed the story.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jamie Linden wrote the screenplay for "We Are Marshall," and co-wrote the story with Cory Helms, not the other way around.

Return to Game

Matthew McConaughey portrayed assistant coach William "Red" Dawson in "We Are Marshall."

Answer: False

Explanation: Matthew McConaughey portrayed head coach Jack Lengyel, while Matthew Fox played assistant coach William "Red" Dawson in the film.

Return to Game

David Strathairn played the uncredited role of the ill-fated Marshall head coach Rick Tolley.

Answer: False

Explanation: David Strathairn portrayed University President Donald Dedmon, while Robert Patrick played the uncredited role of head coach Rick Tolley.

Return to Game

The central theme of "We Are Marshall" was the investigation into the cause of the plane crash.

Answer: False

Explanation: The central theme of "We Are Marshall" focused on the rebuilding of the Marshall University football program and the community's healing process, rather than an investigation into the plane crash's cause.

Return to Game

Principal filming for "We Are Marshall" began in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 3, 2006.

Answer: False

Explanation: Principal filming for "We Are Marshall" commenced on April 3, 2006, in Huntington, West Virginia, not Atlanta, Georgia.

Return to Game

"We Are Marshall" was released on DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray in the United States on September 18, 2007.

Answer: True

Explanation: The film "We Are Marshall" was released on various home media formats, including DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray, in the United States on September 18, 2007.

Return to Game

The film "We Are Marshall" had a production budget of $43.5 million and grossed $65 million at the box office.

Answer: False

Explanation: The film "We Are Marshall" had a production budget of $65 million and grossed $43.5 million at the box office, meaning the figures in the question are reversed.

Return to Game

The premiere for "We Are Marshall" was held in Huntington, West Virginia, at the Keith-Albee Theatre.

Answer: True

Explanation: The premiere of "We Are Marshall" was indeed held at the Keith-Albee Theatre in Huntington, West Virginia, on December 12, 2006.

Return to Game

Legendary Pictures, Thunder Road Pictures, and Wonderland Sound and Vision were the primary distributors of "We Are Marshall."

Answer: False

Explanation: Legendary Pictures, Thunder Road Pictures, and Wonderland Sound and Vision were the production companies for "We Are Marshall," while Warner Bros. Pictures was the distributor.

Return to Game

The film "We Are Marshall" had a running time of approximately two hours and eleven minutes.

Answer: True

Explanation: The running time of "We Are Marshall" was 131 minutes, which translates to two hours and eleven minutes.

Return to Game

Sonny Perdue, then-governor of Georgia, had an uncredited cameo as a Marshall University booster in the film.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sonny Perdue, then-governor of Georgia, had an uncredited cameo as an East Carolina University football coach, not a Marshall University booster.

Return to Game

The editing of "We Are Marshall" was a collaborative effort by Priscilla Nedd-Friendly and Gregg London.

Answer: True

Explanation: Priscilla Nedd-Friendly and Gregg London were jointly responsible for the editing of the film "We Are Marshall."

Return to Game

Christophe Beck composed the musical score for "We Are Marshall."

Answer: True

Explanation: Christophe Beck is credited with composing the musical score for the film "We Are Marshall."

Return to Game

What is the genre of the 2006 film "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: American biographical sports drama film

Explanation: The film "We Are Marshall" is classified as an American biographical sports drama, combining elements of real-life events with athletic themes.

Return to Game

Who directed the film "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: McG

Explanation: McG is credited as the director of the film "We Are Marshall."

Return to Game

Who co-wrote the story for "We Are Marshall" with Jamie Linden?

Answer: Cory Helms

Explanation: Cory Helms co-wrote the story for "We Are Marshall" alongside Jamie Linden.

Return to Game

Which of the following actors portrayed head coach Jack Lengyel in "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: Matthew McConaughey

Explanation: Matthew McConaughey played the role of head coach Jack Lengyel in "We Are Marshall."

Return to Game

Who was the cinematographer for "We Are Marshall," responsible for the film's visual style?

Answer: Shane Hurlbut

Explanation: Shane Hurlbut served as the cinematographer for "We Are Marshall," overseeing the film's visual aesthetics and camera work.

Return to Game

Which entity was responsible for distributing "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: Warner Bros. Pictures

Explanation: Warner Bros. Pictures was the distributor responsible for releasing "We Are Marshall" to the public.

Return to Game

When was "We Are Marshall" released to the public?

Answer: December 22, 2006

Explanation: The film "We Are Marshall" was released for public viewing on December 22, 2006.

Return to Game

What was the running time of "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: 131 minutes

Explanation: The running time for "We Are Marshall" was 131 minutes, which is approximately two hours and eleven minutes.

Return to Game

What was the production budget for "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: $65 million

Explanation: The production budget allocated for "We Are Marshall" was $65 million.

Return to Game

Who portrayed university president Donald Dedmon in "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: David Strathairn

Explanation: David Strathairn took on the role of University President Donald Dedmon in the film "We Are Marshall."

Return to Game

What was the central theme of the film "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: The rebuilding of the football program and community healing

Explanation: The central theme of "We Are Marshall" revolves around the efforts to rebuild the Marshall University football program and the subsequent healing process within the community.

Return to Game

Where did the principal filming for "We Are Marshall" commence?

Answer: Huntington, West Virginia

Explanation: Principal filming for "We Are Marshall" began in Huntington, West Virginia, the primary setting for the historical events depicted.

Return to Game

When was "We Are Marshall" released on home media (DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray) in the United States?

Answer: September 18, 2007

Explanation: The home media release of "We Are Marshall" in the United States occurred on September 18, 2007, across DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray formats.

Return to Game

Who was the then-governor of Georgia who had an uncredited cameo role in "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: Sonny Perdue

Explanation: Sonny Perdue, then-governor of Georgia, made an uncredited cameo appearance in "We Are Marshall" as an East Carolina University football coach.

Return to Game

Which of the following was NOT a primary filming location for "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: Kansas City, Missouri

Explanation: The primary filming locations for "We Are Marshall" were Huntington, West Virginia, and Atlanta, Georgia, with scenes also shot at Tri-State Airport. Kansas City, Missouri, was not listed as a primary filming location.

Return to Game

Who composed the musical score for "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: Christophe Beck

Explanation: Christophe Beck was the composer responsible for the musical score of "We Are Marshall."

Return to Game

Who were the two individuals responsible for editing the film "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: Priscilla Nedd-Friendly and Gregg London

Explanation: Priscilla Nedd-Friendly and Gregg London were the two editors credited for their work on "We Are Marshall."

Return to Game

The 1970 Marshall Plane Crash

The 1970 plane crash central to the film's narrative resulted in the deaths of 37 Marshall University football players.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1970 plane crash tragically claimed the lives of 37 players from the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team, among other individuals.

Return to Game

Southern Airways Flight 932 crashed due to an engine failure shortly after takeoff.

Answer: False

Explanation: Southern Airways Flight 932 crashed after clipping trees on a ridge approximately one mile short of the runway, not due to an engine failure shortly after takeoff.

Return to Game

Charles E. Kautz, Marshall University's athletic director, survived the Southern Airways Flight 932 crash.

Answer: False

Explanation: Charles E. Kautz, Marshall University's athletic director, was among the 75 individuals who tragically perished in the Southern Airways Flight 932 crash.

Return to Game

How many people lost their lives in the 1970 plane crash depicted in "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: 75

Explanation: The tragic 1970 plane crash, a central event in the film, resulted in the deaths of 75 individuals.

Return to Game

What was the fate of Southern Airways Flight 932 on November 14, 1970?

Answer: It crashed into a nearby gully one mile short of the runway.

Explanation: Southern Airways Flight 932 tragically crashed into a gully approximately one mile short of the runway at Tri-State Airport after clipping trees.

Return to Game

Who was Marshall University's athletic director who died in the plane crash?

Answer: Charles E. Kautz

Explanation: Charles E. Kautz, Marshall University's athletic director, was among the victims of the 1970 plane crash.

Return to Game

Which of the following groups was NOT among those who perished in the 1970 Marshall University plane crash?

Answer: The university president

Explanation: While players, coaches, and boosters were among the victims, the university president was not listed as having perished in the 1970 Marshall University plane crash.

Return to Game

Rebuilding the Marshall Football Program

University President Donald Dedmon initially considered suspending the football program indefinitely after the tragedy.

Answer: True

Explanation: University President Donald Dedmon initially contemplated an indefinite suspension of the football program following the tragedy, before being persuaded to reconsider.

Return to Game

Jack Lengyel was hired as the new head coach to rebuild the Marshall University football team.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jack Lengyel was indeed hired as the new head coach, tasked with the challenging responsibility of rebuilding the Marshall University football team.

Return to Game

William "Red" Dawson was a new coach brought in from another university to assist Jack Lengyel.

Answer: False

Explanation: William "Red" Dawson was a surviving member of the previous coaching staff, not a new coach brought in from another university.

Return to Game

The new coaching staff successfully recruited many top players who had initially committed to West Virginia University.

Answer: False

Explanation: The new coaching staff faced the challenge of losing many prospective players to West Virginia University, indicating a difficulty in recruitment, not a success in attracting them.

Return to Game

President Dedmon sought an NCAA waiver to allow freshmen to play varsity football, a rule that had been abolished for all sports in 1968.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NCAA rule prohibiting freshmen from playing varsity football had been abolished for all sports in 1968, but it remained in effect for football and basketball until 1972.

Return to Game

The "Young Thundering Herd" team was primarily composed of experienced varsity players and a few walk-ons.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Young Thundering Herd" was primarily composed of a mix of returning players, incoming freshmen, and walk-ons, forming a largely inexperienced roster, not primarily experienced varsity players.

Return to Game

The "Young Thundering Herd" won its first game after the crash with a decisive victory.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Young Thundering Herd" lost its first game after the crash to the Morehead State Eagles with a score of 29-6, which was not a decisive victory.

Return to Game

Nate Ruffin was injured on the very first play of the team's initial game after the crash.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nate Ruffin, a surviving player, sustained an injury on the opening play of the team's first game following the tragedy.

Return to Game

Marshall University's first post-crash victory was a 15-13 win against Xavier University in their first home game.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Marshall University football team achieved its first victory after the plane crash with a 15-13 score against Xavier University during their first home game of the season.

Return to Game

Coach Dawson celebrated the team's first win after the crash with immediate joy and relief.

Answer: False

Explanation: Coach Dawson's reaction to the team's first win was one of grief and disbelief, as he remained in the locker room for hours, rather than celebrating with immediate joy.

Return to Game

The NCAA rule prohibiting freshmen from playing varsity football was completely abolished for all sports, including football and basketball, in 1968.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NCAA rule prohibiting freshmen from playing varsity football was abolished for most sports in 1968, but it remained in effect for football and basketball until 1972.

Return to Game

What ultimately persuaded University President Donald Dedmon to reconsider suspending the football program?

Answer: Heartfelt pleas from students and Huntington residents, led by Nate Ruffin

Explanation: President Dedmon was swayed by the emotional appeals of Marshall students and Huntington residents, particularly those led by Nate Ruffin, to continue the football program.

Return to Game

Who was hired as the new head coach to rebuild the Marshall University football team after the crash?

Answer: Jack Lengyel

Explanation: Jack Lengyel was appointed as the new head coach, taking on the formidable task of rebuilding the Marshall University football team.

Return to Game

What significant challenge did the new coaching staff face when recruiting players for the "Young Thundering Herd"?

Answer: Losing many prospective players to West Virginia University

Explanation: A major recruitment challenge for the "Young Thundering Herd" was the loss of many prospective players to the West Virginia University Mountaineers.

Return to Game

What NCAA rule did President Dedmon seek to waive to allow freshmen to play varsity football?

Answer: A rule prohibiting freshmen from playing varsity football, which was still in effect for football and basketball.

Explanation: President Dedmon sought a waiver for the NCAA rule that prohibited freshmen from playing varsity football, a rule that, despite being abolished for most sports in 1968, remained in effect for football and basketball.

Return to Game

How was the "Young Thundering Herd" team primarily composed after the crash and the NCAA waiver?

Answer: Returning players, incoming freshmen, and walk-on athletes from other Marshall sports.

Explanation: The "Young Thundering Herd" was formed from a combination of returning players, incoming freshmen, and walk-on athletes from various Marshall sports programs.

Return to Game

What was the outcome of the "Young Thundering Herd's" first game after the crash?

Answer: A 29-6 loss to the Morehead State Eagles.

Explanation: The "Young Thundering Herd" suffered a 29-6 defeat against the Morehead State Eagles in their first game following the plane crash.

Return to Game

Who was Nate Ruffin, and what happened to him during the first game after the crash?

Answer: He was a surviving player who advocated for the program's continuation and was injured on the first play.

Explanation: Nate Ruffin was a surviving football player who played a crucial role in advocating for the program's continuation and was notably injured on the very first play of the team's initial game after the crash.

Return to Game

Against which opponent did the Marshall University football team achieve its first victory after the plane crash?

Answer: Xavier University

Explanation: The Marshall University football team secured its first victory after the plane crash against Xavier University.

Return to Game

What was Coach Dawson's emotional reaction to the team's first win after the crash?

Answer: He was grief-stricken and remained in the locker room in disbelief.

Explanation: Coach Dawson's reaction to the team's first victory was characterized by profound grief and disbelief, leading him to remain in the locker room long after the game concluded.

Return to Game

Historical Accuracy and Depiction

Dr. H. Keith Spears served as the Marshall University consultant for the film's production.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dr. H. Keith Spears provided consultation to the film's production team, offering guidance on the historical and institutional aspects of Marshall University's story.

Return to Game

The closing credits of "We Are Marshall" included actual game footage from the 1970 season featuring players who perished in the crash.

Answer: True

Explanation: The final credits of "We Are Marshall" incorporated actual footage from the 1970 season, including images of players who tragically died in the plane crash.

Return to Game

The film "We Are Marshall" accurately depicted Donald Dedmon being fired from his presidency due to the football team's return.

Answer: False

Explanation: The film inaccurately depicted Donald Dedmon being fired; in reality, he returned to a different administrative role at Marshall and later became president of another college.

Return to Game

John G. Barker was the actual president of Marshall University hired in early 1971.

Answer: True

Explanation: John G. Barker was indeed hired as the actual president of Marshall University in early 1971, commencing his duties on March 1, 1971.

Return to Game

The film's voiceover from Annie in the closing credits detailed the Marshall football program's trajectory after the first season, including its highs and lows.

Answer: True

Explanation: The closing credits of "We Are Marshall" featured a voiceover from Annie that provided details on the Marshall football program's subsequent trajectory, including its successes and challenges.

Return to Game

What kind of historical footage was incorporated into the final credits of "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: Actual footage from the 1970 season featuring players who perished and news footage of the crash.

Explanation: The final credits of "We Are Marshall" included authentic footage from the 1970 season, showcasing players who died in the crash, alongside news coverage of the tragedy.

Return to Game

What historical inaccuracy did the film "We Are Marshall" contain regarding Donald Dedmon's post-presidency role at Marshall?

Answer: It incorrectly showed him being fired due to Marshall's return to the football field.

Explanation: The film inaccurately portrayed Donald Dedmon as being fired due to the football team's return, whereas in reality, he transitioned to another administrative role at Marshall and later became president of Radford College.

Return to Game

Who was the actual president of Marshall University hired in early 1971?

Answer: John G. Barker

Explanation: John G. Barker was the actual individual hired as president of Marshall University in early 1971, commencing his duties on March 1, 1971.

Return to Game

Which coach was hired as Marshall's head coach on February 24, 1971, but turned down the job two days later?

Answer: Dick Bestwick

Explanation: Dick Bestwick was initially hired as Marshall's head coach on February 24, 1971, but he subsequently declined the position two days later.

Return to Game

What did the film "We Are Marshall" depict about Marshall's football program in its concluding scenes?

Answer: It rose to become an NCAA Division 1-AA power and later transitioned to Division 1-A (FBS).

Explanation: The film's concluding scenes depicted Marshall's football program achieving significant success, rising to become an NCAA Division I-AA power and subsequently transitioning to Division I-A (FBS).

Return to Game

Critical Reception and Legacy

Deborah Novak and John Witek successfully won a $100 million lawsuit against Warner Bros. regarding "We Are Marshall."

Answer: False

Explanation: Deborah Novak and John Witek filed a $100 million lawsuit against Warner Bros., but a federal judge ultimately dismissed it in a summary judgment, ruling in favor of Warner Bros.

Return to Game

Professional critics universally praised "We Are Marshall" for its compelling drama and direction.

Answer: False

Explanation: Professional critics generally gave "We Are Marshall" mixed reviews, with many specifically criticizing McG's directing style and the film's lack of genuine drama.

Return to Game

On Rotten Tomatoes, "We Are Marshall" received an average rating of 5.8/10, with less than half of professional critics giving it a positive review.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to Rotten Tomatoes, only 48% of professional critics provided a positive review for "We Are Marshall," resulting in an average rating of 5.8/10, confirming that less than half provided positive feedback.

Return to Game

Matthew McConaughey's performance in "We Are Marshall" was often cited as a weakness by critics.

Answer: False

Explanation: Matthew McConaughey's performance in "We Are Marshall" was consistently highlighted as one of the film's strengths by critics, not a weakness.

Return to Game

What was the final outcome of the $100 million lawsuit filed against Warner Bros. concerning "We Are Marshall"?

Answer: A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in a summary judgment, ruling in favor of Warner Bros.

Explanation: A federal judge dismissed the $100 million lawsuit against Warner Bros. in a summary judgment, concluding the legal challenge in favor of the studio.

Return to Game

How was "We Are Marshall" generally received by professional critics?

Answer: Generally received mixed reviews

Explanation: Professional critics generally offered mixed reviews for "We Are Marshall," indicating a varied reception to the film.

Return to Game

What percentage of professional critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave "We Are Marshall" a positive review?

Answer: 48%

Explanation: On Rotten Tomatoes, 48% of professional critics provided a positive review for "We Are Marshall."

Return to Game

Which aspect of "We Are Marshall" was frequently highlighted as a positive by critics?

Answer: Matthew McConaughey's performance

Explanation: Matthew McConaughey's performance was consistently lauded by critics as a significant strength of "We Are Marshall."

Return to Game

According to the Rotten Tomatoes consensus, what was a criticism of "We Are Marshall" despite Matthew McConaughey's strong performance?

Answer: It took an "easy, feel-good route" in memorializing the event.

Explanation: The Rotten Tomatoes consensus, while acknowledging Matthew McConaughey's strong performance, criticized "We Are Marshall" for taking an "easy, feel-good route" in its portrayal of the tragic event.

Return to Game